Was in contact with Hamas and Iranian elements: Firefighter suspected of planning attacks and establishing a terror cell | First publication

A 19-year-old from Kafr Qasim, who served as a firefighter in the national service, was arrested about a month ago on suspicion of promoting terrorism, planning attacks, and establishing a terror cell. According to the suspicion, he exploited his position to examine a strategic target for an attack. An indictment will be filed against him tomorrow.

A serious security affair has been under investigation in recent weeks by the Sharon District Police and the Shin Bet: A 19-year-old from Kafr Qasim, who served in the national service as a firefighter at a fire station in the central region, was arrested about a month ago on suspicion of promoting terrorist activity, planning a series of attacks, and establishing a terror cell. According to investigation findings, at least one of the attacks the young man planned was supposed to be carried out at a strategic site he accessed as part of his role. He identified the location as a possible target and exploited the access and familiarity he gained during his service as a firefighter to advance the attack plan. The investigation also revealed that the young man began taking an interest in terrorism as early as age 16, and since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, he underwent a significant radicalization process. As part of his activities, he made contact with Hamas elements and a figure associated with Iranian intelligence, sought combat guides, downloaded manuals for making explosives, and even tried to produce explosive devices. He worked to establish a terror cell and attempted to recruit two additional acquaintances from Kafr Qasim, but insufficient evidentiary infrastructure has yet been established against them. During a raid on his home, airsoft weapons and training equipment were seized. An indictment is expected to be filed against him tomorrow.